The surgeons would like this too. Using an arthroscope or endoscope to see inside the spine while viewing a computer screen is a challenge. The surgeon must move the tools without damaging nearby nerves and blood vessels. They must avoid cutting through soft tissues such as muscles and ligaments as much as possible.

A new retractor system is being tested for use with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). With the minimally invasive operations, the surgeon inserts tiny tubes through the skin down to the bone. Special tools are then slid through the tube to remove the disc and nearby bone.

The MaXcess blade retractor slides down over the outside of the tube forming what's called an operative corridor. The blades of the retractor then move the tissue out of the way so the surgeon can see what he or she is doing. Only a small incision is needed but the surgeon gets the full view without using microscopes.